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Busy Day At The Post Office

On January 16, 2012, in special Occasions Stamps, by Luke Judge

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Monday marked what the United States Postal Service considers the busiest mailing day of the year.

The lines at the post office on new Bridge street in Jacksonville lived up to the title of the day. while the lines kept moving, there was a bit of a wait and a slightly longer line than what’s typical of a Monday.

The postmaster says in the 30-plus years he’s been with the post office, this was a heavy traffic year for them, even with customers doing some postage work online.

Postal officials say if you get your packages in the mail by Wednesday- they should arrive in time for Christmas.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Chuck Location: Greenville on Dec 19, 2011 at 11:04 PM No thanks to they lady who lingered at the counter at post office monday 12-19-11 looking at stamps for her collection.I realize you want your stamps.But today,with the long lines was not a good day for you to wallow down to the post office & hold the lines up while you took your time looking at the stamps.perhaps another day later in the week might have been better?

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Make GI policies the collectable of choice

On January 3, 2012, in uniforms Collectables, by Luke Judge

12 December 2011 | Updated: 12 December 2011 3:07 pm

According to media reports the Russian police recently arrested a man known as the cemetery collector.

Jason Berry Sales and marketing director Safe and Secure

The man allegedly collected bodies from cemeteries and displayed them around his flat as decorations – strange but true.

While collecting of this kind is not exactly a healthy habit, collecting more normal items is one of the most popular hobbies in the UK. from stamps to coins or buttons to buckles, thousands of people give their time to collecting items others might see as useless.

Many collectors spend a lot of time seeking out and then hoarding objects that offer little or no obvious reward in the hope that in time they could be worth a small fortune.

And the idea of collecting something now that will provide an income later is not dissimilar to the way in which brokers in the general insurance market operate.

Through GI sales brokers can, in effect, collect income. With effective renewal persistency brokers can increase their earnings without doing anything to them.

From earnings of around £12,500 in the first year of sales – based on five weekly sales over the year – brokers could be bringing in over £50,000 within five years without having to sell any more cases each month.

Just like collectables, the policies brokers collect will increase in value over time.

So a large number of brokers are themselves collectors unbeknown to them – although thankfully not of the cemetery collector kind.

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Hobby Collectibles – News And Values

On December 30, 2011, in lurcher Collectables, by Luke Judge

The following article explains how you can get to know about hobby values and where you can find hobby collectible news to help you with your collection.

Collecting or gathering items can be a fun hobby. There are a lot of interesting things to convene and gather such as coins, stamps, sports cards, art and craft, brass figurines, thimbles, plates, etc. The list can go on and on. There is no restriction on what you can gather. it is something personal and varies from individual to individual. some collections carry hobby values as well and feature in hobby collectible news from time to time where demand is created for certain items and when traded could fetch you a good price.

If you are interested in having your own collection of items but have no idea as to what kind of item to collect, then hobby collectible news can provide you with enough guidance on the kind of collectibles available, their demand for it in the market and hobby values. several websites provide such valuable information on collectibles. If you are looking at collecting sports cards, then such news covers information about most sought after players, their playing statistics and their sports rating.

If you happen to be an art collector, then you can get opinions and views about art shows, museums, travel souvenirs, artists in demand and the market rates for such collectibles on hobby collectible news. some rare pieces of art and painting may fetch good hobby values and by gaining some knowledge about such collectibles, one can make a good investment. some hobby collectible news suggests rare coins made of gold and silver as valuable collectibles. Sometimes vintage books can add value to your existing collection of numerous antique items. Philately or stamp collecting, comic book collections, crystal collections, golf collectibles and vintage toys could also enhance your hobby values. these are only some popular items collected by people. Various other items also make for some good collectibles.

There are some weekly newsletters online that come out with hobby collectible news. By subscribing to these newsletters, you could get up to date information on the latest trend in collectibles, their values, new articles in demand and various other tidbits. some antique magazines also talk about forthcoming attractions, art fairs, auctions, auction prices and latest hobby values as well.

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Buying Stamps? How to Save Postage by Printing Stamps Online

On December 26, 2011, in samoa Stamps, by Luke Judge

It’s time to think about buying stamps again. You are shipping out several packages a day from your online business and find there are no stamps anywhere in the house. How many people will be waiting in line ahead of you at the post office? Will they have 2-3 items or a basket filled with letters to mail? Will you be bringing a book or magazine along to help pass the time? If you are wondering how you can save postage and avoid the mind numbing wait at the post office the following ideas may help.

What most of my family does is purchase the stamps from online. by using these types of services, we simply print the stamps on our home computer in the comfort of our own home. There is no extra hardware required – all you need is a printer and a subscription to service, which you can cancel at any time. It’s a great way to save postage, especially if you run an eBay or online business requiring you to mail out packages daily. You can also conveniently print out shipping labels with these services too. by doing this, we also save money on gas because we no longer need to drive to the Post Office and we save a huge amount of time for the very same reason.

This has become the best way my family has found to save postage. by buying stamps online, even if my husband or kids use the last stamp and I no longer get upset. I simply continue buying stamps from these great services and print up what I need.

In short, if you have better things to do than wasting time at the Post Office, why not give these online stamp services for a spin and learn how buying stamps online can help you save on postage and time.

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The Advantage of Display Cabinets

On November 26, 2011, in the Simpsons Collectables, by Luke Judge

Man, it seems, has always had an inherent desire to collect things. Whether it is art, automobiles, coins, stamps, comic books, or Simpsons characters, somebody somewhere has a passion for those or other items that are deemed collectible. if their passion is deep, they have amassed a sizable personal collection of their prized objects. Chances are, they like to gaze upon them or even show them off. in addition, with so many different things to collect, it is only natural that man has also created containers or places to keep them. if the collection is of items that require an activity to enjoy them, such as train sets, remote controlled planes, cars, or boats, they will more than likely display them on a table or on shelves. if the collection needs to be kept free from dust and other airborne particles, they will probably keep them in display cabinets.

There are many styles of cabinets for displaying collectibles and other items. there are some that have glass panels and glass shelves. Others are made of fine wood with wood or glass shelves. Yet others are made with plastic, faux wood, steel, or a number of other materials. if the collection is a valuable one, like fine china or antiques, the collector will probably want to have a cabinet with a lock.

Some cabinets are designed specifically for certain collectibles. there are die-cast display cases that are designed to showcase miniature die-cast collectible cars. NASCAR fans who collect miniature versions of their favorite NASCAR drivers’ cars can enjoy their collection in a case designed either in a stand alone version or a wall mounted version. For such a collection, glass shelves are usually desired so that all angles of the car can be seen and appreciated without having to take the car out. More handling equals more risk of damage or wear. Depending on the collectible, even natural oils from handling can depreciate the value of the collectible. Coins and stamps are especially susceptible to surface damage merely by handling.

Other display cases have drawers for items like knives. Others have preformed panels where a specific item, like a pistol, perhaps, would be kept in. Others are designed specifically as wall mounted cases for golf balls, baseballs, tennis balls and the such. Others have slots or individual hanging spots for items like sports cards.

No matter what type or genre of collectible there is, there are at least several styles of display cabinets to accommodate, protect, and display it. in addition, if you are a collector, a quick search online will provide many links to sites that will often ship for free.

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Beswick Pottery – A Guide to ‘Backstamps’ Or Porcelain Marks on Beswick Figurines

On November 19, 2011, in cheshire Collectables, by Luke Judge

Collectors of porcelain figurines will be familiar with the wide range of stamps used by manufacturers to mark their work. sometimes referred to as ‘stamps’ or ‘backstamps’, these marks are generally found on the underside of the figurine and will always include the name of the manufacturer at the very least.

John Beswick followed this practice at his Beswick factory and the range of marks or stamps that can be found on Beswick pieces give an invaluable insight into both the provenance and value of the piece itself.

One very important question that sometimes arises with Beswick figurines is whether the lack of a mark or stamp on the underside indicates that it is not a genuine piece. The answer to this is no. there are a large number of Beswick figurines in circulation that do not have a mark at all and the Beswick factory was well known for unfinished pieces, particularly on a Friday afternoon

The earlier Beswick stamps, dating from just after the first World War, take the form of a simple circle or oval shape formed by the words ‘Beswick England’. Printed in green, this will be indicative of one of the early pieces. By 1936 the stamp had changed into ‘Beswick Ware Made in England’ appearing in beautiful flowing handwriting and the circular or oval shape had disappeared altogether. In each case the mark or stamp appeared in the middle of the underside of the piece.

1954 saw the introduction of an impressed mark and the inclusion of the serial number of the individual piece as well. The words ‘BESWICK ENGLAND’ appear in block capitals, this time in a semi-circle around the inside edge of the base of the piece and set below that will be the serial number.

In the late 1960′s the Beswick pottery began producing the first of a series of special figurine collections, the most famous of which is, of course, the Beatrix Potter collection. this necessitated the giving of much greater information in the stamp so, for example, you will see ‘ WALT DISNEY PROD BESWICK ENGLAND’ on the underside of the Winnie the Pooh series, which was produced from 1968 to 1990. Another good example would be the Alice in Wonderland series produced from 1973 to 1983 where the mark would include the words ‘ALICE SERIES Queen of Hearts BESWICK Made in England’ followed by a Royal Doulton copyright notice. Early Beatrix Potter figurine stamps are similar in appearance and include the F Warne & co ltd copyright notice. Some but not all will be dated too.

Latterly, Beswick, then owned by Royal Doulton, introduced a gold script mark for limited editions and reverted to ‘Beswick Ware’ in the mark on some variations.

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Coins of Vatican

On November 7, 2011, in denmark Coins, by Luke Judge

For centuries until 1870, the Vatican issued its own coins, which are now rare and highly sought after. the strike was halted between 1870 and 1929 due to a conflict between the Vatican and the new Italian state, which has commandeered many areas of the Vatican. This conflict was settled in 1929 with the Lateran Agreements.

The Vatican is, since the Lateran Treaty, the smallest country in the world. so it is a sovereign state, despite an area of 0.44 km squared and a population of approximately 800-900 people, and has the right to strike its own currency, as well as issue its own stamps.

Since 1929, the Vatican therefore issue each year a new set of coins that had – except for gold coins – legal tender in Italy from 1929 to 1979, with a nominal value in lire, and in the European Union when the Vatican struck Euros coins in 2000. there was an interruption in the minting of coins from 1979 to 2000.

Despite their legal tender which mean that they can be used in the Euro zone, these coins are usually sold in a box for well above their face value. These boxes are made for collectors and contain coins of the highest quality, ranging from beautiful Uncirculated to Proof, and are produced in limited quantities. Proof Boxes are usually accompanied by a commemorative silver coin. their current price at the shop of the Vatican is about 30 for the package beautiful Uncirculated and about 140 for the package Proof, for a nominal value of 3.88.

Special commemorative are ranging from a rate of 14 (2 euro coin to commemorate) to 980 (gold coin with a nominal value of 100, without legal tender produced in less than 1,000 copies).

The high price of the Vatican’s coins and their extreme quality make they are purchased most only by collectors, who safely guard them in their case. They would almost never let someone take them in hand, as the risk of damage them and make them lose their value is high. so it is unlikely that you will find one in your wallet when you are at the store Moreover, the value of coins from the Vatican tends to increase with time, especially when the pope whose effigy is on the current coins dies.

Indeed, the currencies of the Vatican always represent the pope at the time of their issuance. At the death, collectors know that no other piece representing this pope in particular will be issued. Demand increases, but the offer declines, and so prices rise, sometimes significantly. Collecting Vatican’s coin can be considered a good investment.

When a vacancy takes place between two popes, the Vatican makes no coins representing the Pope, a rare event whose collectors are taking advantage. These parts usually have the arms of the cardinal who is temporarily in charge. in 2005, it was the arms of the Cardinal Chamberlain which were hit.

Where to find them?

The shop of the Vatican sell the new coins annually, but stocks are being depleted faster in general because of the limited amount of coins. it remains to numismatist eager to complete his collection the usual sources: conventions, eBay, numismatic associations, companies, advertisements, etc.

As these coins take high value rapidly, it is better for novice collectors start their collection by restricting the set of parts of the following year at the shop of the Vatican.

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A Beginner’s Guide To Vintage Amassing

On October 13, 2011, in hairless Collectables, by Luke Judge

The explanations for collecting antiques may be as different as the individuals who collect them. Some folks first grow to be focused on collecting as children, gathering anything from baseball cards to dolls, cash, stamps or even insects. Others do not start accumulating till their grownup years. That interest could also be prompted by some vital occasion, being given a household heirloom or from a need to preserve components of our past.

But the one thing all these folks have in frequent is that it doesn’t matter what they have chosen to collect, it’s fun! Enjoying the pieces one has collected will be very satisfying, but it will probably’t evaluate to the fun of the hunt and the fun of finding a treasure.

Amassing can be a nice passion, however there is a bonus to collecting antiques over something like matchbooks or souvenirs. Antiques recognize in value. By learning to buy, promote and even commerce wisely some individuals have been able to flip an interest right into a profitable business. But how can someone move beyond collecting for enjoyable and begin to build a collection that has worth? The important thing to constructing a set that has worth, particularly antiques, is knowledge. Study all the pieces you can concerning the antiques you might be collecting. not solely will it add to your enjoyment, however whenever you learn to purchase, promote and trade from a place of information you will be able to construct a modest collection into one among actual value.

When beginning a group, it’s essential to do your homework. If you begin purchasing for antiques armed with knowledge, you’re in a greater place to identify a bargain or avoid making a purchase it’s possible you’ll regret. as a result of the world of antiques is so broad, it’s advisable to restrict your assortment to a selected area. nobody might be an professional about each type of antique. That will assist you to find out about important producers, recognize uncommon specimens, and most important for rookies, know learn how to spot reproductions.

Beginning to find out about antiques may be so simple as making a go to to your local library. there are a large number of wonderful books available about each conceivable category of antiques. Nevertheless, two sources of knowledge novice collectors could overlook are antique sellers and collectors. Individuals who deal in antiques for profit or for pleasure enjoy speaking about them. Antiques are one in all their passions. Visiting antique outlets and antique reveals is not going to solely enable you ask questions and be taught from specialists however it may be a fun strategy to spend a day or a weekend.

As soon as the “gathering bug” has bitten you, how do you resolve what to gather? merely collect one thing you love – something you have an interest in. That makes studying about the objects you acquire all of the more enjoyable. as you be taught extra about these antiques and their worth, you’ll begin to learn how and where to buy bargains. With the ability to purchase and sell to make a revenue may not be your major aim for accumulating, however it could enable you to finance your hobby and enable you to increase the value of your collection.

In your hunt for antiques it’s also vital to purchase quality, not quantity. Owning a couple of actually positive pieces is all the time preferable to owning many mediocre pieces. That may imply you’ll have to start out small and gradually build your collection, however quality items recognize sooner and will construct the worth of your assortment more quickly. When buying antiques it’s best to avoid items which might be damaged or repaired. they may be cheaper however they won’t appreciate as a lot or add value to your collection.

If you search for the unique moderately than the widespread, you will find that the extra uncommon the antique the extra it appreciates. This is another excuse data is so important. With enough skill, you may be able to acknowledge rare or useful items less educated collectors would possibly overlook.

Though they are often glorious sources, antique outlets and vintage reveals aren’t the one locations where you will discover valuable top quality antiques. Folks have made some nice finds at flea markets and yard sales.

You might also find a wide range of antiques at auctions. But remember, when you go to an auction it is doubly important to know the worth of the items you are bidding on. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the auction and find yourself spending manner too much.

Lastly, in your seek for that special piece you could have been looking for don’t forget about internet public sale websites like Ebay. thanks to the internet it’s doable to seek out nearly anything.

No matter you determine to collect for whatever the reason, enjoy the hunt. Bargains and fascinating pieces could be found everywhere.

If you want other knowledge with reference to richmond virginia antiques, swing by Ariel Antigama’s web page soon.

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Collecting Stamps As a Hobby

On October 8, 2011, in postage Dues Stamps, by Luke Judge

The process of stamp collecting can be confusing for those just starting out because it can be hard to distinguish a valuable stamp from the others. Many serious collectors say that the best way to start a stamp collection is by not worrying about the value, instead choosing stamps that appeal to them visually, or that form part of a group or series.

Depending on the type of collection being sought, stamp collecting can become very expensive – but it doesn’t have to be. most dealers and hobby shops offer packets of stamps at a reasonable cost, allowing for a quick-start collection.

Initially, an individual should start collecting a broad range of stamps, in order to give themselves an opportunity to see what types of designs are available. It is important for collectors to develop their own taste and build a collection based on personal preference. otherwise, they may not enjoy the collection to its fullest.

The Internet is a great place to find stamp collections for beginners. By purchasing a stamp price book, those new to the practice can start exploring basic values. It can also be helpful to connect with other collectors, whether through community groups or online. a little bit of guidance goes a long way.

On-paper stamps, which have been cut from an envelope or another form of paper, are glue-based. Many experts suggest leaving the stamp on the paper unless it will be sold or used for some other purpose, since the extra strength of the paper will help to protect it from bending or tearing.

If the stamp needs to be removed from the paper, extreme caution is required. after the edges have been trimmed of excess paper, the stamp needs to soak in clean water for about fifteen minutes. While stamp ink does not often run, dye may be released from the paper itself, so it is important to watch for changes in the water colour. Self-adhesive stamps can be easier to remove but require more soaking.

To dry, place stamps between two pieces of paper towel and then, if possible, transfer them to a stamp drying book.

Stamps should be stored in a clean, dry place, such as a shoebox. once the value of the collection starts to increase, specially-designed tongs should be used when handling. Stamps should be transferred to a collectors’ album and inserted individually, not back-to-back. Humid locations, such as basements, should be avoided in order to prevent damage.

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The Joy of Collectible Glass Figurines

On October 1, 2011, in canada Collectables, by Luke Judge

Everybody collects something. Collectible glass figurines are big slice of the market in collectible items. Markets are places where buyers get their needs met. so the question is, what needs are met by collectible glass figurines? would the answer give a clue to the deeper and wider psychological human needs to collect.

Everybody collects something, whether it be those collectible glass figurines, football game programs, souvenirs of trips, pictures of one’s children, or model airplanes. What do you collect and why? on the more formal side of collecting, it does seem that growing up we all collected something we made into a hobby. It could have begun with baseball cards, marbles or stamps. so perhaps those who do collectible glass figurines are reliving the joys of childhood now that they have the money to indulge themselves.

Have they simply moved on to collectible glass figurines or first edition books? Indeed, some collectors even collect collecting guides. It would be a lot less costly to hoard the collectible glass figurines catalogue than the dolphins or clowns themselves.

Talking of unusual psychological needs, what about the need to label the people who collect things? An archtophilist collects teddy bears, a deltiologist collects postcards, a numismatist collects coins, a vecturist collects subway tokens and a clock collector is a horologist. how many collectible glass figurines do you need to have before you can call yourself a .. what is the label here?

Freud of course had a theory to explain why we collect things. He postulated that collecting links back to the time of toilet training. Freud suggested that the loss of control and what went down the toilet was a traumatic occurrence and that, therefore, the collector is trying to gain back not only control but possessions that were lost so many years ago. well that’s Freud. Personally I prefer to think about the lighter side of collecting

Some people collect for investment, and collectible glass figurines probably fall into this category. some collect for pure enjoyment – its fun. some collect to expand their social lives, attending swap meets and exchanging information with like-minded souls. for some people collecting is simply the quest, in some cases a life-long pursuit that is never complete. for some, the satisfaction comes from experimenting with arranging, re-arranging, and classifying parts of a-big-world-out-there through collectible glass figurines. This can serve as a means of control to elicit a comfort zone in one’s life, e.g., calming fears, erasing insecurity.

Whatever your motivation for holding those gorgeous collectible glass figurines, one thing is for sure. Your reasons are nowhere near as transparent as the figurines themselves.

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